"In my 18 years of performing, I have never been anything but professional on stage," she posted.

"It is a shame that gossip and lies are overshadowing the performance of Carly, a very talented young girl.

"And while I have not given any media outlet a quote, if you want one, here it is - 'It was an amazing opportunity to share this experience with Carly and I know I'll be watching for her to win tonight'."

TMZ has insisted that Rimes's rep did indeed give them a quote on behalf of the musician, and accused Rimes of "backtracking hard".